The FREE Vermont E-Cycles electronic recycling program established collection locations that are located statewide and operate year-round (click here for a list of locations). All computers, monitors, printers, computer peripherals and TVs - regardless of brand, age, or condition - are accepted for FREE recycling.

Vermont’s electronic waste law bans the disposal of certain electronic devices and provides for FREE and convenient collection of computers, monitors, printers, computer peripherals, and televisions for covered entities: consumers, charities, school districts, and small businesses that employ 10 or fewer individuals. Other individuals who bring in seven (7) or fewer devices can also recycle at no charge. All other banned electronic devices other than those mentioned above are also accepted at these locations; however, there may be a fee to dispose of those items.

Electronic devices contain toxic materials (including lead, mercury, and chromium) that should be managed responsibly as well as precious metals (such as gold) that should be recovered and recycled

Although electronic waste is a small component of all waste that is disposed, it is the fastest growing component of waste. Consider that in 1970, most households had only 1 TV and 0 computers. More than 1.6 million pounds of e-waste were collected by VT solid waste districts in 2008.

Manufacturers will pay for the e-waste collection and recycling program starting July 1, 2011.

MERCURY BANNED FROM
DISPOSAL IN VERMONT LANDFILLS - As of July 1,
2007, it is illegal to dispose of mercury or products containing mercury
(whether they are labelled or not) in Vermont landfills. This includes, but is
not limited to, fluorescent bulbs and mercury containing lamps, laptops, mercury
thermometers, mercury thermostats, all flat panel screens (example: computer
monitors) or any other mercury containing device. Fluorescent lamps and
electronic devices (computers, hand-held devices)(electronics
collection) are collected at your local transfer
station/recycling center for proper collection, recycling, and/or disposal
(there are disposal fees in place at each transfer station/recycling center for
these items). All other mercury containing products can be taken to
the household hazardous waste collection events. or
taken to theRCSWDhazardous
waste depot during normal operating hours. There is no charge to residents for
household hazardous waste collection and disposal. Businesses will pay a nominal
disposal fee. Visitmercvt.orgfor detailed information.

Computers and other home and business electronics can
help us out in a lot of ways. But the materials they are
made from can poison the environment if they're thrown in the trash
or handled improperly once their useful life is
through.

COMPUTERS contain aluminum, lead and many other hazardous materials,
including mercury.

Computers and other home and business
electronics can help us out in a lot of ways. But the
materials they are made from can poison the environment if they're
thrown in the trash or handled improperly once their useful life is
through.

One average television screen contains four to
eight pounds of lead. Both lead and mercury damage human nervous
systems.

Children are most at risk, as even low levels of
exposure can cause developmental problems.

THERE IS A WAY YOU CAN
HELP

When it's time to get rid of your
old computer, television or other home electronics, don't throw them
in the trash. Most of the SWAC towns have computer/electronic
collection boxes located at a transfer station or recycling center. Contact your town office for further
details and recycling fees. Electronics can also be brought to any registered collection facility in Vermont.

What happens to the electronics?

Some get refurbished. Some parts will be removed to be reused.
The rest will be broken down into each different constituent
(black plastic, white plastic, copper, glass, leaded glass, wire,
circuit boards for, precious metals, etc.) and recycled.